Growing Your Own Food: Start a Small Garden
By: Laura Reefer
There is something truly satisfying about planting a seed and watching it transform into a plant that produces foods you love. Whether it’s a juicy tomato, a crisp cucumber, or a handful of fresh herbs, the sense of pride and joy you feel when harvesting something you’ve grown with your own hands is unmatched. Growing a garden isn’t just about putting food on the table—it’s about reconnecting with the earth, finding peace in your daily routine, and creating something meaningful with your time and energy.
Having a garden gives you more than just fresh vegetables and fruits. It offers a deeper awareness of the food you eat. You get to control what goes into the soil, how your plants are treated, and what ends up on your plate. When you grow your own food, you’re not relying on produce that may be sprayed with herbicides, pesticides, or other harmful chemicals. You’re creating a cleaner, healthier alternative—one that benefits your body and your peace of mind.
Growing a garden can provide access to fresh, healthier foods and is good for your mental and physical well-being. It’s a rhythm of life that helps me feel grounded and whole. Growing a garden can provide access to fresh, healthier foods and is good for you in multiple ways.
Start Small, Grow Big
A few years ago, we planted tomatoes in grow bags on our patio. To our surprise, they turned out to be some of the best tomatoes we’ve ever had. That little experiment taught us that gardening is about creativity and flexibility. Anyone can grow something delicious with the right containers, a few good seeds, and a sunny spot. If you’re just getting started, consider these beginner-friendly options:
- Learn about companion planting to make the most of your space.
- Herbs on a windowsill – Basil, thyme, parsley, and mint all do well indoors and add flavor to meals.
- A small raised bed – Great for tomatoes, peppers, and salad greens.
- Containers or grow bags – Perfect for patios or small yards.
- Indoor hydroponics – Compact systems allow you to grow greens and herbs without soil.
Before you plant, consider whether you want to start with seeds or young plants. Seed starting can be fun and economical but requires time and patience. Purchasing starter plants from a local nursery, feed and seed store, or even a home improvement store like Lowe’s or Tractor Supply can help jumpstart your garden with less fuss. When buying seeds, consider choosing heirloom varieties. These traditional seeds are open-pollinated, meaning you can save seeds from your plants and regrow them year after year. Heirlooms also tend to have rich flavor and history behind them.
Designing Your Small Garden
Some homesteaders often design gardens and landscapes based on permaculture principles, which mimic natural ecosystems. These methods ensure soil health, reduce water use, and promote biodiversity. This concept can be complex. Basically, the concept is about what is good for the earth, what is good for people, and fair sharing. I have shared some methods we have used on our small farm.
When my husband and I started planning our garden, we wanted it to be more than just rows of vegetables. We wanted it to reflect our values and lifestyle. That’s why we began incorporating permaculture principles—a way of designing landscapes that mimic natural ecosystems. We focused on planting things that were edible, medicinal, or good for pollinators. Over the years, we’ve planted a mix of fruit trees, berry bushes, herbs, and native flowers that bring in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. And while it hasn’t always been easy—between unpredictable weather, wildlife, and stubborn soil—we’ve learned to adapt.
One of the best changes we made was starting a composting system. Our compost pile turns kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, dark soil that our plants absolutely love. If you haven’t tried composting yet, I highly recommend it. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also improves your soil and helps retain moisture during dry spells. Once we started composing, I couldn’t believe how much waste was going in the trash that instead could go back into our land.
Fun Tips: blend edibles into your flower beds. You’d be surprised how pretty a row of bright red tomatoes, or bright green lettuce and basil look next to marigolds or daisies. Tomatoes, peppers, and even kale can all be worked into your existing landscape without needing a dedicated vegetable patch.
Think about your space. If you have farm animals for example, we have chickens, turkeys and pigs. They can place in a chicken or pig tractor allowing you to move them across the property where you want them to work for you. They will graze or eat pest, aerate the ground and of course as they eat, they poop (fertilizing the soil).
The Power of Companion Planting
When you start mixing plants together, you’ll quickly learn that some pairings just work. That’s the idea behind companion planting—choosing plants that benefit each other when grown side by side.
For example, marigolds help repel pests from vegetables like tomatoes and squash. Basil planted near tomatoes not only repels insects but can also enhance the tomato’s flavor. And of course, my favorite example is the Three Sisters method—corn, beans, and squash planted together. Corn supports the climbing beans, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash spreads out to shade the ground and keep moisture in. It’s nature’s version of teamwork.
Whether you have a large garden or just a few pots, companion planting can help you maximize space, improve plant health, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides..
A Few Things to Consider Before You Plant
Before you grab your trowel and start digging, take some time to observe your space. Where does the sun hit? Where does water collect after a rain? Is your spot windy or sheltered? These little details can make a big difference in your garden’s success.
Ask yourself:
- How muck time can I realistically commit to this garden?
- Do I have a reliable water source nearby?
- Will I be planting in-ground, in containers, or both?
Yes, gardening takes work—but it’s work that pays off. You’ll not only harvest fresh food but also gain a sense of satisfaction and connection that’s hard to describe.
Share Your Story
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, I’d love to hear about your experiences. What have you tried that worked? What are you hoping to grow this year? Leave a comment or drop me a message—I’d love to swap stories, tips, and a little garden inspiration.
Gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. One that’s full of growth, healing, and the joy of watching something flourish under your care.
Here’s to digging in the dirt, planting new dreams, and watching them grow.
